1312.  PROBUS. 276-282 AD.  AV Aureus (5.28 gm).  Rome mint. Struck 281 AD.
Laureate and cuirassed bust right / VICTORIOSO SEMPER, Probus standing left
holding  transverse sceptre,  four  suppliants standing  around; wreath  in
exergue. RIC  V pt. 2,  143; Bastien, Donativa , pg. 59, i;  Cohen 794. VF,
light marks  as expected for  the grade. Very rare  and interesting reverse
type. ($3000)

Probus spent the first several years of his reign fighting off invaders
from the north and east, and suppressing internal revolts from several of
his field commanders. The most pressing concern at the time of Probus’
accession was the invasions of the Franks in the the north and Germanic
tribes (including the Vandals and Burgundians) in the centre and south. It
took Probus two years (277-278) to defeat these tribes and restore the
Roman frontier on the Rhine and Upper Danube. In 279 he turned his
attention eastwards, defeating the Getae on the Lower Danube, and then
crossed into Asia Minor to suppress a band of robbers led by Lydius the
Isaurian. Next came the suppression of a revolt in upper Egypt led by a
Nubian tribe, the Blemmyae. Lastly, came the revolts of Bonosus, Proculus
and Saturninus, each of whom either died in battle or was betrayed by his
troops. Finally, in 281 Probus returned to Rome to celebrate his many
victories with a triumph held towards the end of the year. Accompanying
this triumph were lavish games and gladiatorial contests, as well as a
large donative. This aureus, celebrating the "Always Victorius" Probus, was
part of that donative.


CNG Mail bid sale #58, 18 Sept 2001, lot 1312.
 
 Lot sold for $450.


Used by permission of CNG, www.historicalcoins.com